In-form half-back Connor deserves an England mention, insists Arthur

In-form half-back Jake Connor deserves “a mention” when England's Ashes squad is selected, his Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says.

- by Peter Smith

Connor, who last played for England in 2018, was top of the Man of Steel leaderboard when it went secret last week and has been a key figure in Rhinos' surge up the table to third spot with 16 Betfred Super League rounds played. The former Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants maverick was in outstanding form again on Friday, setting up three tries and landing eight conversions from as many attempts, as Rhinos beat Leigh Leopards 48-30 at AMT Headingley.

However, unless that 80 minutes is enough to change the England boss' mind, Connor is set to be left out when Shaun Wane names his performance squad today. Asked if that would be harsh, Arthur insisted: “I think he has probably done enough to get a mention.”